In another ground-breaking venture for the brand new Sky Sports Elite League champions Poole, co-promoter Matt Ford last night confirmed that the club will be the first British speedway venue to stage racing in 2009 ... on Sunday, January 4 at 3pm.
Ford has attained the off-season licence for one year only from the British Speedway Promoters’ Association, who had previously seen Newport stage the event in the past. Sadly the Welsh club was forced to close after the sad death of owner Tim Stone earlier this year.
Castle Cover Pirates supremo Ford, still on cloud nine after the team wrapped up the league title in sensational style with a 27-point second leg win in the Elite League Grand Final 72 hours ago, revealed: "I am pleased to announce that the next two meetings at Poole will be on two Sunday dates at 3pm - October 26 and January 4.
"I'm absolutely thrilled that the Association have ratified that Poole stage the New Year meeting after I applied in the summer.
"It's going to be difficult but I want to keep up the high standards that Tim (Stone) has provided at Newport I recent years. He was one of the sport's decent promoters and is desperately missed by us all.
"The actual premise of the event in January is in its infancy, but I am hoping to bring together a Champion of Champions individual which will involve as many of the sport's current national champions as possible, the European Champ, World U21 champ, etc. Unfortunately it will not involve the Aussie national champion, Chris Holder, who will be at home Down Under and enjoying a well-deserved break.
"But I believe it can incorporate a wonderful array of track talent worldwide. I'm confident the New Year meeting legacy that Tim left will be as strong as ever in its switch to Dorset."
Ford was also keen to point out that the meeting at Poole is only a one year arrangement and open for other clubs in 2010. "After such a successful Diamond 60-Year Jubilee Year in 2008 - and with the Elite Knock Out Cup Final, second leg at Poole on Sunday week still to come - I am especially keen to give Poole fans another first at the start of next year.
"But I certainly have no intention of monopolising this event. There's only one close season licence and I count myself very fortunate that we have it in 2009. To my mind, this is one of British speedway's crown jewel events in the calendar. But I don't have a divine right to stage it every year.
"I'm going to give it my best shot in January. On Sunday week, I will be able to tell our fantastic supporters that they won't have to wait five months for the smell of methanol and noise of the 500cc machines, but just eight weeks this time!"
Poole Speedway have also announced that children will be admitted FREE for Castle Cover Pirates' KO Cup Final on Sunday week provided they are accompanied by a paying adult (on a one adult admission, one child free basis).
Explaining the decision, Ford said: "After last Monday's packed house for our league win, I want as many kids to jump on the bandwagon and join in the celebrations in this great year for the team.
"Sunday week is another huge meeting for the club and the town as we go for a third league and cup Double in five years against Eastbourne.
"If we can double the amount of children in the Stadium on October 26 it will add to a real carnival atmosphere. I want the fans of tomorrow to enjoy this season as much everyone else. Here's an opportunity for them not to miss out."
